Staffing ratios

MistyDreamer · Jul 7, 2005

Hello,
My family and I are still looking at relocating to the Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark area and I was wondering if anyone could share their staffing ratios. For example, where I live in Arizona:
med/surg days 5 or 6:1
tele 3 or 4:1
ICU 1 or 2:1
Also, are you happy with the current level of morale? We just love that area!
Thank you!

The staffing ratios here in Dothan are not that good.

Days Med-surg or tele avg 8-10/1 ICU 2-3/1. At Flowers the charge nurse also takes patients on every shift. SAMC night charge nurses usually have a few patients along with charging.

Quite a difference frm Arizona! :eek:

Meerkat · Jul 7, 2005

I concur...8-10 pts in med-surg. In my opinion, it's a nightmare. I cannot wait to get out of the Dothan area.

dosamigos76, RN · Jul 25, 2005

The more I find out about Dothan, the scarier it gets. Here in New Mexico, we have 4-6:1 on Surg days and nights, 6-7:1 Medical, 1or2:1 ICU.....I really would like to move there to be near my Mom, but besides the pay cut of at least $4 an hour (and people think we're paid low out here), the working conditions here are wonderful!

Now what to do.....

Cheryl

MistyDreamer · Jul 25, 2005

The wages are low but so are the property taxes. It's a good place to retire as there are a lot of breaks given to retirees. The nursing shortage is getting worse here so we hope the wages will come up in order to attract more nurses. Ratios probably won't improve until there is some type of mandate put in place. There aren't any nursing unions in place either, so that avenue is closed. I am here because of family obligations (aging parents, disabled hubby). I stick to the units because of the lower ratios. Not getting any younger!!!